Happy New Year!

Dear friends,

As this year comes to a close, I would just like to thank everyone for continuing to read and support my blog. May the new year bring you all lots of joy and prosperity!

Happy New Year!

Florence

FREE Coffee today

To carry on a Peet’s tradition, on December 24th, enjoy their brewed coffee and tea for free in their retail stores. While you’re there,  Peet’s will match any contributions you make to a charitable organization.   What a great tradition!

FREE App: The Kissing Hand

The Kissing Hand

It is with a somber heart that I share this deal with everyone because every time I think about it, I want to cry.  The publishers of The Kissing Hand app are offering their storybook  for free in support of Newtown, Connecticut.  Here is what the developers say on their iTunes page:

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the children, parents and educators in Newtown, CT. In support of the 1,600 copies of “The Kissing Hand” physical book being donated to the children of Newtown by Tanglewood Press, we are offering the digital book app free to children everywhere for a period of time. We hope this story about the power of love will offer comfort to your family as we all heal.

Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 5.0 or later

FREE App: Fruit Ninja

Fruit Ninja HD

Woohoo!  For one day only, Fruit Ninja HD is FREE!  In fact, all of Halfbrick studio’s games are free today.  This is my mom’s favorite game so you have to get it.  It’s normally $2.99 and it’s compatible with iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later.

Santa’s Island

Ho Ho Ho!  Santa will be visiting Heritage Park Island tomorrow from noon until 4.  Families are invited to enjoy some holiday fun with crafts and music and of course, an appearance of the big guy himself.  Everything is FREE!

FREE App: Toca Band

Toca Band

I know…I had you at “Toca” or maybe even “FREE“.  If you follow my blog, then you know my family and I are big fans of all the great apps by Toca Boca.  Right now their Toca Band app is free–normally, it costs $1.99. This is a musical app where your child can play with a variety of sounds to create all sorts of music. You just might want to get a pair of earplugs ready!  Get it while it’s FREE!  This app is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 5.0 or later.

$0.29 Christmas Cards Today ONLY

Just wanted to share this awesome deal with everyone out there.  If you haven’t gotten around to ordering your Christmas cards, today is an excellent opportunity.  Cardstore is offering their cards for $0.29!  They will even mail them out for you–the postage alone is like getting the card for free.

FREE apps: Suzy’s Zoo & Leo’s Pad

A couple of fun storybook apps are available for free right now!

Suzy’s Zoo is a cute whimsical storybook app that also includes a coloring book, puzzles, and memory cards.

 

 

 

Leo’s Pad Appisode 1 is the first in a series of “appisodes” geared towards children between the ages of 3-11.  Follow young Leonardo da Vinci on an adventure and play fun games along the way.  This app is beautifully illustrated and provides plenty of interaction for your little one.  A must get especially while it’s free!  Only available for the iPad.

Leo’s pad

 

Get Outdoors

Head outdoors this weekend with the folks from Inside the Outdoors, an educational group funded by the OC Department of Education.  This is a great opportunity to explore Crystal Cove with the Naturalists on site.  Everything is FREE including the parking (with flyer), which is normally $15!

Portable North Pole

Have your kids been naughty or nice?  Do you need to give them a little encouragement?  I just discovered this great website Portable North Pole and wanted to share it with all you parents out there.  You can personalize a video message directly from Santa to your little one(s).  It was so simple!  Answer a couple of questions and upload a few pictures and you’re done.  My kids were in awe.  Oh, and best of all, it’s FREE!